David Turney, head of marketing at industry equipment supplier GNG Sales is in the driving seat for this week's Turbo Talk.
How did you get started in the industry?
My dad was in parts his entire life, except for a few years when he managed a service station/workshop and adjoining exhaust shop. As a kid, I’d spend summer holidays there, learning about cars, gassing them up, driveway servicing and later, doing simple lubes and bending exhaust pipes alongside the full-time mechanics. Even used an oxy to cut off stubborn old systems.
It was here I fell in love with cars, so it was kind of inevitable that they’d inform my career choices.
I got especially into rods, customs and performance. Bought every magazine going from Australia and the US (still have a collection). It was the artistry in design and engineering of modified machines that flicked my switches most, andI had many heartbeats for the beauty of American 40s through 70s cars. Car shows, cruising and drag racing (participating as well as spectating), and working on a succession of my project cars, was how I spent my time and money.
I first wanted to pursue a career in customs, inspired by the work of such names as Ed Roth, Dean Moon, Gene Winfield, George Barris, Den Jeffries, Von Dutch, Larry Watson et al.
That didn’t happen, and via many twists and turns, some planned, some providence, I ended up in parts myself, early on. Then into the corporate marketing world, working in a variety of roles, right up to heads of department at brands including Toyota, Lexus, and Harley-Davidson.
Given the opportunity, I’ll talk all day about Marketing. For me it was an ideal concert of craft, analysis, creativity and cars, so it was inevitable that I’d fit into that business function, and further, become passionate about the role of marketing in successful ventures.
And while I didn’t achieve the ranks of world famous customiser, I made sure I applied some of that desire and taught myself how to pinstripe. So that’s something?
What do you do now?
Head of Marketing at GnG Sales. We’re the exclusive importer and distributor of several brands servicing collision repair, refinishing, detailing, retail and professional car care, including RUPES, Autoglym and our own brand, Workquip.
Working with the company and these great brands is fantastic. I’m back to my aftermarket roots, where creativity is at a maximum, and can ply my knowledge, experience and successes to create a higher rate of real economic value.
What do you most like about the industry?
It’s a place where hobbies, passions and work can uniquely bind. I’m a firm believer that you’ll be less valuable at what you do if there’s little more than a passing interest in it.
And it’s multi-dimensional. I’ve been fortunate enough to work in OE, aftermarket, and motorsports business during my career. Even though it’s the same industry, there are differences – some subtle and some, not so much – in the way each plays.
What do you most dislike about the industry?
I’m not sure there’s anything I truly dislike about it. Frustrations more like.
When you’ve been in it as long as I have, and subjects/challenges that are apparently urgent or “vital to our survival” keeping coming up, even years later.
Probably the greatest is individuals who still foster an old-school, non-progressive attitude that doesn’t value curiosity and openness from future participants. I’ve heard many stories of enthusiasm for the industry being kicked out of the curious by interactions with belligerent “senior” participants, who make them feel unworthy, and think their tenure gives them sign-off as to who can play and who can’t.
It’s not unusual; most industries experience it, and over time, hopefully, it’s eradicated. But while it does exist, it grinds my gears.
Who do you most admire in the industry?
It’s impossible to highlight any one individual. I’ve drawn inspiration from a variety of people both in and outside of the industry. People who know it and I count as friends, and people who don’t.
Those I’ve worked for and alongside, but mostly it’s those I’ve had the privilege to teach, coach and nurture, and watch them grow and go onto greater things. That’s the ultimate reward and inspiration.
Cars! tell us - first car, current car, dream car?
First car was a 64 Mini Cooper S. Bought from a neighbour before I was old enough to even have a license. Painted it, modified it a bit and got it running, then sold it (all before I had a learner’s permit).
Daily is a first series Lexus IS200. I had some involvement in the launch of these back in the day, and they’re a contemporary classic.
I’ve owned a slew of bikes and cars, so have some automotive regrets.
Greatest are a HG 350 GTS Monaro, HJ Sandman panel van and a 66 Pontiac GTO. Yep, I know what they’re all worth now.
Most recent bought owned and sold was a 1977 Chev El Camino, put a 454 in it, sold it. Then bought a 05 Harley Road King do weekend trip and occasional weekday traffic busting.
Being a Pontiac fan have owned a rare 1956 Star Chief Custom Safari for over 10 years (think Chevy Nomad, but Pontiac) that I’m turning it into a period gasser, with straight axle front end, blown 421 Pontiac engine, M22 Muncie 4-speed and 9.3 Pontiac posi rear end.
She’s one of my dream cars. But I wouldn’t say no to a 69 GTO Judge, or a 64. GTO, or a 78 Bandit Trans Am, or a 71 455SD Trans Am, or a 59 Catalina coupe, Saturday night street-racer style, or a 49 Pontiac coupe, with all the 50s custom touches. I could go on…
You can find and connect with me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjturney/